How to Stop Aggressive Dog Behavior Problems

Territorial Aggression

Territorial Aggression can be a serious form of aggression for the simple fact that many people mistake the aggression as the dog trying to be protective. When he barks or growls at someone entering the house, they encourage the dog by saying things like, “What a brave boy you are,” and this praise only makes it worse.

Territorial aggression is when the dog feels that everything around him belongs to him and he doesn’t like other dogs or even strange people coming into his territory. Although this is often seen at home, it can be seen on walks or in other places. If the dog is familiar with a space or even a walking route, he can become territorial over it.

The Cause of Territorial Aggression:
It is important to note that there are breeds that are more territorial than others. In fact, some breeds, such as the Tibetan Mastiff can be so territorial that taking a different route for each walk is recommended as a way to combat the problem. However, it is important to note that all dog breeds can suffer from territorial aggression and it is usually caused by improper socialization and isolation. Dogs that are left on their own most of the time will usually become territorial over their space.

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Solving the Problem:
Territorial aggression should be prevented by simply socializing your dog and also keeping him from being isolated. Don’t set him up in the backyard and simply leave him there. Also, make sure that you mix up his walks and correct him when he is being territorial. Let him have his own “space” but make sure he knows that anyone can go into the space with him. If you find that he is territorial, it is important to use training as a way to correct the problem.

Pain Aggression

Pain aggression occurs when the dog is in pain or is sick in some way. When he is, he will begin to behave in an aggressive manner and may bite or growl if you touch the sore spot.

The Cause of Pain Aggression:
The cause of pain aggression is usually very simple and comes down to the dog being sick or injured.

Even if your dog is not showing signs of injury, if he suddenly becomes aggressive, the cause of that aggression could be simply because he is not well.

Solving the Problem:
Take him to the veterinarian clinic immediately to find the reason behind the aggression. When he is healing, make sure everyone gives him the space he needs to feel safe in his recovery.

Redirected Aggression

Redirected aggression is when a dog is behaving aggressive to someone or something else and you interrupt his aggression, which results in him turning the aggression towards you. This is usually common when your dog is getting ready to attack or is being attacked by another dog.

The Cause of Redirected Aggression:
Although the cause is apparent, it is usually caused because the dog has his adrenaline charged and is focused on what is occurring. When he is interrupted, it is an instant reaction to turn and bite at whoever interrupted.

Solving the Problem:
Since this is a reaction, the best way to deal with redirected aggression is to avoid situations where your dog may be attacked and to correct any form of aggression that you see in him.

Possessive Aggression

Possessive aggression is a very common occurrence and it can be seen in dogs of all ages. Generally, with possessive aggression, a dog reacts by growling, baring his teeth and even biting if you try to touch or take an object that he feels is his. While this may not seem like a big problem, children are often the victims of this form of aggression.

The Cause of Possessive Aggression:
With this form of aggression, it is actually a natural behavior that is seen in all puppies, especially when they are with their littermates. To get what they want, a puppy will snap and bark until the other puppies back down. When he comes home, many times owners encourage this behavior with games like tug of war or simply not letting a puppy know that everything he has belongs to you. As he grows older, the more possessive he becomes.

Solving the Problem:
The best way to solve possessive aggression is through alpha dog training. The dog should have clear rules, such as the bed and couch are not for dogs, and toys should only be brought down by you. He should never be allowed to have the toys without you. In addition, you should hand feed him by placing your hands into his bowl and bringing the food to him. This should be started at a young age and it should be done with everyone in the house. Do not start this when he is already possessive.

If your dog has possessive aggression, it is important to seek the advice and help of a professional and skilled trainer.

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Predatory Aggression

This form of aggression is usually seen in dogs that were bred to hunt and already have a strong prey drive. It is often triggered by a quick motion and will cause the dog to chase after something that is moving and bark, growl and even attack it.

The Cause of Predatory Aggression:
As I have mentioned, a strong prey-drive is genetic but predatory aggression is usually caused by improper socialization and training.

Solving the Problem:
Training is necessary to modify the behavior of the dog, as is proper control of your dog when he is out, for example, keeping him leashed. In addition, asking for the help and advice of a professional trainer is also recommended.

Maternal Aggression

Maternal aggression is only seen in a female dog and it is usually only seen in a dog that has puppies to care for. Mother dogs are naturally protective of their young and a dog that has never been aggressive before, may behave so when animals or people come near her puppies.

The Cause of Maternal Aggression:
As you can imagine, the cause of maternal aggression is because a female dog has whelped and is caring for her puppies. It is a natural behavior and the dog should not be reprimanded for it since she is only trying to protect her young from a perceived danger.

Solving the Problem:
The best way to solve maternal aggression is to give the mother and her young room. Don’t let other animals into the whelping room and don’t disturb her. When you need to interact with the puppies, distract the dam by letting her outside and by feeding her so you can get in and get out without upsetting her too much.

Generally, when the puppies are weaned and are in their new homes, the maternal aggression will correct itself.

Punishment Aggression

Lastly, punishment aggression can be seen in dogs of all ages and breeds and it affects both males and females. Generally, punishment aggression is when the dog reacts to being punished by barking, growling or biting.

The Cause of Punishment Aggression:
We, as owners, are the primary cause of punishment aggression. If we punish our dogs by pointing, hitting, yelling and in any other inappropriate way, the dog will react. Usually a dog that exhibits punishment aggression has been abused.

Solving the Problem:
To solve this form of aggression, it is important to never start it. Properly correct, not punish you dog. Never abuse him in any way and make sure that all of his needs are provided for.

If you adopt a dog with punishment aggression, be patient, slowly build on trust, and create a bond with the dog. Eventually, when he realizes that you aren’t going to abuse him, you will be able to modify his behavior enough to correct the problem.

It is recommended that dogs that suffer from punishment aggression, do not reside in the same home as young children since a child may inadvertently trigger the response simply by playing a little too roughly.

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